Catch
the colour trend !
Hair
colouring is now the biggest growth area in the hairdressing
industry, with a limitless colour range and a wide variety
of application techniques to choose from whether you colour
your hair at home or in the salon. The most popular forms
of colour can be outlined in order of simplicity of application
and lasting capacity.
Colour shampoos
are the mildest form of colouring. They are non-committal,
and their simple application means they are easy to do at
home. Their effects are subtle, enhancing your own shade and
giving lots of shine. They can also be used in conjunction
with permanent tints to maintain their vibrancy, and their
effects last for two to three shampoos.
Vegetable colours
are a mild and natural form of colour and again non-committal.
They can add tone or depth, can take the edge off of white
hairs, but do not have the strength to lighten hair. They
add shine and condition making hair look youthful and vibrant,
and last between six to eight shampoos.
Semi-permanent colours
are a mild form of tinting. They can cover white hairs by
up to fifty percent, give natural variation in tones and last
between twelve and twenty shampoos.
Permanent colours
can lighten and darken hair, and are very effective in covering
white hair. The colour stays on the hair until it grows out,
and the further from your own natural colour it is, the more
noticeable the regrowth will be. Skilful application gives
a very natural variation in depth and tone.
Highlights and lowlights
can make hair lighter, darker, richer, warmer. Creating movement
and texture as well as changing the colour. From ultra-subtle
to dramatic and vibrant. This technique does not show an obvious
regrowth, and needs to be done between three to six times
a year depending on the haircut.
Getting
the best results
Before
you colour your hair, make sure that it is in the best possible
condition as this will ensure the most even result. If the
hair is excessively dry, use a deep conditioning treatment
the week prior, and trim off any split ends.
To keep your colour looking fresh and vibrant use shampoos
and conditioners that are specifically formulated for colour
treated hair. These products act as a sealant closing down
the cuticles to prevent colour fading, whilst adding lustre
and shine to the hair.
Having
your hair coloured in the salon
If
you are nervous about colouring your hair yourself have a
consultation with your hairdresser. Most procedures are best
done in the salon.
Having your hair coloured in the salon may be more expensive,
yet can be an enjoyable stress free experience with a guaranteed
result. It can also be much quicker than doing it yourself.
In some instances, with the less permanent colouring techniques,
you can have your hair coloured in the salon first and then
be advised on how to maintain it at home by yourself.
Colouring
your hair at home
These
days colouring your hair at home can be very successful. The
most important things to bear in mind are;
Choosing the right shade:
Use the colour on the box as a guide only, as results vary
depending on the depth of the hair it is used on. Hair that
is of even colour and porosity from roots to ends will achieve
the most even results, which is why colouring hair with a
substantial amount of grey, or that is over coloured/processed
can be more difficult. Depending on how daring you are and
how stressed you might be by not achieving exactly the shade
you had in mind, err on the side of caution either with the
colour choice or with the strength of the product.
When to do it:
If this is the first time that you are colouring your hair,
or you a using a new colour don't do it the day before a major
event. Give yourself plenty of time, when you think there
is less likely to be interruptions, and make sure you have
everything that you need in front of you. Wear gloves when
applying the colour and make sure you use dark towels for
vegetable colours as they can stain.
Following instructions:
Read the manufacturers instructions thoroughly and follow
them exactly, especially the development time. Even if you
are a veteran of colouring your hair, formulations and colour
names can change as products are updated and improved.
Time and time again:
With more permanent products re-colouring your hair can be
harder than colouring it for the first time, since overlapping
can dry out the hair and cause barring making the colour look
unnatural. If your hair is long it may be a good idea to enlist
the help of a friend. Changing shade of a permanent colour
can be a difficult procedure, so it may be advisable to seek
the advise of a professional first.
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